Nephew of St. Gabriel (Urgebadze) Visits Orthodox Church in Hot Springs

Since the founding of the parish, one of its most honored guests has been Eldar Urgebadze — the nephew of St. Gabriel of Samtavro (+1995), one of the most venerated modern saints of the Orthodox Church.

Mr. Eldar serves as the custodian of St. Gabriel’s House-Church in Tbilisi, Georgia, which was built by the saint himself. The building was formerly a residential home that St. Gabriel converted into a church. It now houses many of the saint’s personal belongings, including his monastic clothing.

Eldar Urgebadze visited the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “The Life-Giving Spring” in Hot Springs in July 2025, at the time of the church’s opening. He prayed before the icon of St. Gabriel, who is greatly revered by the parish. The guest presented several items that belonged to the saint as a gift to the temple.